I might sound hopeless, I might sound bitter. But the truth is that most Nigerians have lost the use of morality as a guide to life. We clamour and cry for development, we wish for a better society devoid of corruption, where things work, a fair system free from tribalism, sectionalism and pushing towards national unity, but we as a people are not willing and ready to make honest sacrifices for development.

A change of government does not guarantee development, but a change in the tactics for corruption, looting and oppressing the citizens in all facets. The truth is that with the way things are going from bad to worst in Nigeria, the situation is obviously hopeless. The war against corruption seems to be a hoax with the way present administration is addressing the menace. Obviously the fight is more of political witch hunting owning the known fact that those in the political helm of affairs are untouchable irrespective of accusations and their palpable misdeeds.

The underdevelopment of a grossly corrupt nation is unfathomable. Our economic resources that should be channeled to nation building are being siphoned by the few. Those who feel it is their birthright to loot and continue draining the country’s collective wealth. Every appointed and elected political office holder in Nigeria has lost fear. The constitution has been relegated because it does not prescribe enough punishment that instills fear into looters. To worsen the situation, majority of the Nigerians elites and the masses celebrate looters. They justify looting of their kin and kinfolks. As far it is done by their people, they see nothing wrong with it.

Nigeria ‘jungle justice’ system is meant to punish the poor in the country. They are quick to kill and set on fire using tube, those who steal Garri and Maggi in the market place; but quick to shower praises on public officers that looted and sucked the country dry. The case of the child that was burnt to death is a typical explanation of present Nigeria jungle justice system being perpetrated by the assumed educated and those without conscience. Whereas the likes of Chief James Ibori who served jail terms in UK for looting more than 250 million dollar Delta State resource as a former Governor is being celebrated by his people. Political looting seems to be a normal thing to do. In fact it is now called GIFT.

No matter the amount of wealth produced by country, if looting and leakages are not checked, underdevelopment will continue to dominate the nation. The war against corruption should be a collective war. The common man in Nigeria who bears the direct brunt of looting has to wake up and stop hailing looting politicians. Instead we should have a HOLY ANGER towards them. In the words of Charlyboy “our mumu don do.” We must take our destiny in our hands to develop the nation.

As a nation with collective destiny, we must know that when we stop hailing, they will stop stealing.